Video: Maritime & Coastguard Agency

A TRAWLERMAN who suffered an epileptic fit while out at sea off Whitby had to be rescued by helicopter.

Whitby RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat, the George and Mary Webb’ was launched by the volunteer crew at 8.47am on Tuesday morning and quickly reached the trawler which was 10 miles east of Whitby.

The lifeboat crew stood by while the casualty was safely airlifted from the trawler before being transferred to the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

Whitby RNLI duty mechanic George Clemitshaw said: “It is believed the casualty had suffered an epileptic fit on board the trawler.

“Airlifting the patient to James Cook was the safest and quickest way to get the casualty the medical attention required.

“We stood by while this took place as there was some northerly wind. Well done to those on board who reacted quickly and the Coastguard for their fast response and recovery.”

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said in a statement: “An unwell fisherman was airlifted from a fishing vessel 10 nautical miles off the coast of Whitby.

“UK Coastguard received a VHF radio call from the 18-metre fishing vessel, requesting medical assistance. The UK Coastguard search and rescue helicopter based at Humberside and the Whitby RNLI official lifeboat were sent to the location.

“Although visibility was good, the sea state was rough and there was a 25 knot wind.

“The casualty was winched on board and taken to hospital, where the landing site was manned by the Staithes Coastguard and Skinningrove Coastguard Rescue Teams.